AZ equalize deep in injury time against Feyenoord; Rotterdammers still top

Feyenoord remains top of the Eredivisie despite dropping its first points of the season on Sunday. Robin van Persie’s side drew 3-3 with AZ in Alkmaar and now has 16 points from six matches.

The Rotterdam club failed to take advantage of the draw between PSV and Ajax (2-2). Feyenoord still leads PSV by 3 points, while Ajax sits third, 4 points behind the leaders. AZ is fifth with 11 points but has played one match fewer than the top four.

Van Persie started Aymen Sliti against AZ and was also able to call on Anis Hadj Moussa, who returned from suspension. AZ once again lined up with Mexx Meerdink in attack, as Troy Parrott was still not fit enough to play.

AZ had the upper hand early on and took the lead in the 24th minute through Ro-Zangelo Daal, who found the net with a curling strike past goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther. Feyenoord equalized in the 35th minute after Wouter Goes handled in the box, with Sem Steijn converting from the spot for his third goal of the season.

Six minutes after the break, Denso Kasius restored AZ’s lead. Feyenoord then took control, turning the match around with goals from Jordan Bos and Hadj Moussa. In stoppage time, Feyenoord defender Anel Ahmedhodzic received a second yellow card and was sent off. AZ snatched a late equalizer when Meerdink scored from the penalty spot after Jaden Slory committed a foul.

Van Persie had no criticism for his team despite the draw. “We played well today. Two of the three goals we scored were fantastic. We created plenty of chances,” Van Persie told ESPN after the game.

Still, Van Persie admitted he left with some disappointment. “It’s tough to concede so late,” he said. “On to the next match.”

Meerdink also spoke to ESPN after scoring the injury time penalty. Although he had struggled to make an impact during the match, he still chose to step up. “I know I can do it,” Meerdink told ESPN. “I bounced the ball a few times to find my focus. It worked. Fortunately, because scoring is the most important thing.”